a pink-flowered European perennial herb (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern U.S. and has a mucilaginous root sometimes used in confectionery and in medicine

a confection formerly made from the root of the marshmallow but now usually made from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin beaten to a light spongy consistency; also : a piece of partially dried marshmallow <a bag of marshmallows>